Material handling machine



June 3, 1952 J. GREENLIEF 2,598,685

MATERIAL HANDLING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 q Jiuperfireenlzlef. I

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J1me 1952 J. GREENLIEF MATERIAL HANDLING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledNov. 2 1950 N @WN Jasper rean lief.

June 3, 1952 J GREENUEF 2,598,685

MATERIAL HANDLING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet s I .l v zwnfar: Jasper reenlief' Patented June 3, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE9 Claims. 1

This invention relates to machines for handling material, or movingmaterial from one location to another. The improvements are well-adaptedfor use for scraping earth to pro-,

vide a smooth or level surface, or for removing earth or other materialfrom one location and then dumping the same at a second location whichis beyond the place from which the material is picked, up by theapparatus.

Alsov the present structure may be utilized in.

digging excavations for buildings or the like, and when performing thistype of work the machine is capable of operation in a manner to scrapeoff the side of an excavation for defining vertical or. uprightsurfaces.

Another advantage of the machine contemplated herein resides in theprovision of a movable work frame or unit which is shiftablehorizontally on a slidable carrier structure while performing certain ofthe before-mentioned operations. This work frame is provided withswingable masts and posts which remain inoperative during certainoperations, and. by anchoring the free ends of a pair of masts or postsat predetermined locations on one of the other frames or. assemblies ofthe machine, the work frame may be operated to lift from the ground or ahaymow, material such as loose or baled hay and raise the same. to adoorway or other entry into the loft of a barn or other farm building.This is particularly advantageous for loading silos, cribs and similarstorage structures where the use of the present machine will saveconsiderable labor and time for farmers.

A primary object. of the present invention to improve the operation ofhandling material by utilizing a manually controlled automaticallyoperated mechanism thereby to substantially increase the usefulness of atractor on which the mechanism is mounted and thereby multiply thecustomary facilities of such a vehicle.

Another object and advantage of the present improvements resides in theprovision of a plurality of separately operated frames which arepreferably superimposed the one upon the other and to operate each frameindividually under the control of the driver of the tractor. In thisconnection it will. be understood that the driver rides on the tractorand by manipulating suitable controls he may perform numerous separateoperations, each of which is distinct from the other. Differentlystated, the frames are each operated independently of the others or aplurality of frames may beoperated atthe same time.

Further objects and advantages of these improvements comprises theprovision of structurally separate frames or units carried by thechassis of a tractor, such frames being mounted one upon the other andeach frame or unit bein capable of movement either independently of theother frame or movable simultaneously with one or more of said otherframes. These units in the present instance comprise (first) a lower orbase frame supported by the chassis and wheels of the tractor, (second)a slide frame operating in the guides on the base frame, and (third) atruss-shaped work-frame movable longitudinally in the guides onintermediate or slide frame, and having adjustability so that. it

is capable of being operated to raise its forward end region to avariety of positions of angularity thereby to perform a plurality oftypes of work at different distances above the ground level. Theoperation of these frames, separately or together, is at all times underthe control of the operator who may manipulate. selective valvescontrolling fluid pressure which may be generated. by the motor of thetractor. The hydraulic operation of each frame is through the medium ofcylinder and piston devices on the respective frames, and. in thisconnection the cylinder for operating one frame may be mount.- ed on theframe immediately beneath it and the forward end of the piston isconnected to the superimposed frame which is being actuated; It will beunderstood of course that this particular arrangement may be reversed ifdesired.

Additional objects, aims and advantages of the improvements contemplatedherein will be apparent to persons skilled in the art after theconstruction and operation of the material handling apparatus is'understood from the within description.

It is preferred to accomplish the numerous objects of these improvementsand to practice the invention in substantially the manner hereinafterfully described and as more particularly pointed, out in the appendedclaims. Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which form apart of this specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal side elevation of a material handling machineembodying the improvements contemplated herein, the machine being shownin use for example to movean earth engaging implement in a forwarddirection;

Fig. 2 is a top plan of the structure shown inFlg. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation showing the machine Fig. showsthe manner ofmanipulating the Fig. fi'is a diagrammatic view showing a sche- Thetractor or vehicle comprises an'elongate tudinal side sills I9 which aresuitably reinforced by means of a plurality of oblique cross braces" Theforward regions of side sills l0 are atadjusted tolift material from onelocation and 1 deposit such material ahead of the first position; 7 s

1 Fig. 4 shows the arrangements of the frames when raising the materialand dumping the 1 same into a truck or lorry having a high body;

machine. for effecting a high lift in generally vertical direction todeposit the material in a loft, silojor crib; an

4 performing and elevating frame of a derrick-like structure that ismovable longitudinally with the slide assembly B, and it is alsoadapted'for longitudinal movement independently of the slide frameassembly B.

The work frame and elevator assembly C has a pivotal or hingedconnection with respect to the slide assembly B thereby permitting itsforward end to be elevated or raised through the medium of. a:plurality: of pairs ofxlong levers and short 'posts 'each of which ispivotally carried by the assembly C. The free or swinging lower ends ofthe levers and posts may be selectively anchored to different portionsof the other i chassis assemblywhich is characterized by longi- 1structures beneath the assembly C whereby the derrick-likeassembly maybe operated to elevateitsforward. end region to difierent levels torthrough the medium of the'usual steering wheel "14 which is arrangedforwardly from the operators. 'seat IS. .The 1 connections between themanually operated steering wheel 14 and the'front ground wheels of thechassis may take 1 f the form 'of any of the well-known steering orcoupling mechanisms which may be adapted for mechanism and, the .powertransmitting devices including the rear axle members to which the jlargetraction wheels I8are connected orxjour- 3 nalled for'driving thetractor through the mediumof an'internal combustion engine [9. 1 therear end of .the chassis assembly there is U-shaped anchoror'bracemember 20, the side 1 arms of. which have their ends pivoted or fhingedly, connected with a convenient portion of 1 the chassis. topermit retraction of .said anchor 1 member when it is not functioning inthe posij tion shown in the drawing. i

. In the interest of' clearness, the engine I 9,

the drivers seat I5 and the pilot or steering j wheel ld hav'e beenomittedin portions of the drawings, particularly in Figs. 3 4 and 5which j 1 have been somewhat simplified toshow the oper- 1 atingpositions of the several material handling 1 assemblies of the'presentstructure towhich the improvements are directedj There'are preferablythree structurally independent frame-like members or assemblies A, B,

; and C, .which are constructed and arranged so 1 thatthey are incooperative association with 1 each other and are carried by the chassisframe- Q work'in superimposed relation the one upon the other and eachframe being adapted to be pref- 1 erably guided by interengaged meanswhichopi eratively' connect the respective frames,

The lower assembly A, constituting a carrier 1 assembly or frame unit,has attachment with f portions of the chassispreferably at the front,and rear pillars l2 and 16 respectively, and the intermediate assembly Bis defined by a'forwardly and rearwardly movable slide frame which issuitably guided in its movements-- on said carrier assembly A. The upperassembly C constitutes a truss-shaped or cantilever workabove "theground; *Thus the material may be discharged or unloaded at a variety ofheights, as for example, into a high body dump truck or lorry, or into.a storage space such as a barn loft, the top of a silo orfa' crib. Theforward end of this work assembly C carries a suitable implement suchasa scoop or shovel c which may be replaced by a bull-dozer member orany other suitable implement for performing a variety of types of workin connection with handling different kinds of material, Figs. 1, 3, .4and 5 graphically illustratefa variety of positions which may be assumedby therespective frames in performing some. of thefmany types of workfor which the apparatus is well-adapted. v

' Thev lower or carrier. assemblyA provides the means for guidingthesliding ttssemblyiBfj land are also anchored. The rear r'e'gionsbfthese side pieces 30 project beyond the chassis as shown toprovide'sufiicient overhang to accommodate hydraulic power cylinders 32.The rear,

ends of' side pieces 'gfiandcylindersn are con- 7 nected together by acoupling 33 and the forward end of theflcylinders- 32 are suitably at'tached to the pendent'ha'ngersii l carried by the chassis. Thecylinders'are adapted to operate elongate pistons 35 which, attheirforward ends, are attached to straps 35 depending from the slide frameassembly B ifor moving the latter longitudinallyby means for pressurefluid in the cylinders 32. Conduitsjor pipes 3] connect the cylinders 32witha suitable source of pressure fluid generated by a pump P drivenbyfengine IS. The cylinders32, pistons 35 and conduits 31 define a firstfluid pressure power unit of the material,handlingapparatus. fTheintermedi'ate or sliding frame assembly 3 comprises longitudinalslide membersfiil, which are co-extensive with the side pieces 3110fassembly A, andat their rear portions rest on shim plates'33, on the topsurfacesof saidside pieces '30. Cylinders El areconnectedat their rearends to side members its. as by. means of strap couplings 42 and carrypistons 63 for actuating the work frame assemblyC in the man- .ner laterto be' described. The side members 411 and cylinders M of assemblyB passthrough the hangers '36 which. also function as abutments or stopsagainst which the .widerstrap couplings 42 engage thereby limiting theforward movement of the slide frame assembly B as,will be understood.Intermediate the transverse planes of the :pillars l2 and It the sidemembers 40 have guide collars 44 which extend downwardly so that theirlower ends, which are angular, will engage in the guide channels 3| inthe side pieces of assembly A thus to support thesid'e members and topermit of longitudinal movement of the-slide assembly, when the firstpower unit of the apparatus is energized. Thus it will be seen that theforward 'regionof the side members 40 may be extended a desirabledistance in front of the chassis and the piloting ground wheels 13 ofthe tractor, asshown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, during the performance ofseveral of the types of work for which the apparatus is adapted. Thecylindersare connected by conduits or pipes leading therefrom to feedpressure fluid there-- to from the pump P for actuatingthe pistons 43 ofthe second power unit of the apparatus. The forward ends-of pistons 43areattached t0 fulcrum brackets 46 which travel along the side members40 and have inwardly flanged or angular lower edges to extend beneathsaid side members between the latter and the upp r surfaces of siderails 39 of the supporting assemblyA.

The work performing assembly C which carries the implement comprises apair of trusses whichare suitably connected together for operating inunison as a unit and having a pivotal or hinged connection as at 41 onthe fulcrum brackets 46. Each truss comprises an elongate base or beam50, an upstanding post 5| intermediate the ends of said beam, and apair'of obliquerafters 52c and 5217 which are secured to the end regionsof base beam 50 and extend upwardly therefrom to arch over the post 50to which they are also attached. It will be seen that the forwardregions of the beam 50 and front rafter 52b merge with each other todefine downwardly and forwardly inclined arms 53 which are rigidlysecured together by an X-shaped tie bracket 54 and extend oneachside ofthe implement c that is f-ulcrum'ed between said armsby trunnionsc.;"""It will be understood that this'work frame assembly C, which ishinged at its rear endon fulcrum brackets 46 is thus adapted to have itsforward end carrying the implement raised or elevated to a plurality ofaltitudes according to the work performedby the apparatus, and duringmaterial raising operations the implement, if it be a scoop as shown, ismaintained in a level position.

'Thearrangement which is effective to raise the free forward portion ofthe truss work assembly C preferably takes the form of two pairs ofelonate beams or booms 55 that are fulcrumed intermediate their ends asat 56 on the, crowns of the trusses at approximately the location of theposts 5|. The beams or booms are distributed so that there is a pair foreach of the two trusses,

and the beams of a pair are positioned at opposite sides of itsrespective truss. The forward lower ends of'these beams 55 are adaptedto be selectively attached by pivot bolts 55a, one of such locationsbeing at a: at front ends of side members 40 of assembly B and anotherat y at the front ends of side pieces 30 of assembly A. Thus it isapparent that when the piston 43 ofthe second power unit is pushedoutward the. fulcrum bracket 46 will force the trusses forwardly andpthebeam 55 will be effective to lift the free forward portion of theassembly 0 in. the manner suggested in Figs. 4 and 5. When lowerelevation of the trusses is desired, the beams. 55 are released andcarried free between the converging forward junctures of beams 50 andrafters 52b asshown in ings such an arrangement has been omitted Fig;3.1 Under these conditions pairs oftshort posts 51, pivoted attheir'upper ends onpins-EG: outside the beams 55 and the other or lower"ends.

been properly attached attheir lower ends .i'nithe selected locations,the work isperformed by ad mittingpressure fluid to cylinders 32 thusforcing the pistons 35 outward to move the slide assembly Band workassembly C in a forward direction sothat thescoop 0 will be filled withmaterial.. The

cylinders 4 I "may then beactivated to effect move-n ment of pistons 43,whereby the work assembly-C is forced forward at its rear end-thuscausing its forward end to be elevated 'by'the beam55 orthe post 51depending ,upon which of these elements has previously been anchored atits lower'a-lend. After reaching the desired elevation the'scoop mayfbetilted as shown inFig. 4 to dump the material. e

The means for manipulatingv the scoop com prise the upper extensions orarms fin' of the beams 55 beyond the pivots 56 so that they move:

with said beams, and link members 6| are con-;

nected at their rear ends tosaid arms by pivot bolts 62; The scoop C hasupstanding fingers'fil that have hinged connections, by bolts '64,"withlinks 65. Intermediate links 61 and .65 there is a thirdpower unitwhich-is comprisedof hydrau lic cylinders 66 for operating pistons6Twhich elements are connected a'tptheir ends to and are carried by thelink membersfil and B5 respectively. As shown the cylindersreceivepressure fluid" through pipes 68 leading from the pump P. Whenthe cylinders 61 arefcharged with pressure fluid the tilting ofthescoop-is effected, but :when

this third power unit is dormant the links-and the unit function as arigid beam connecting the scoop to the arms 60 andthus'maintain thebottom of the scoop level at all timesduring the ele vation of thetrusses of the work assembly 'C; It will be appreciated that anypressurefiuid arrangement which may be adapted for thepurpose can beemployed for manipulating anindi-s vidual hydraulic power unit on eachof therassemblies hereinbefore described; For the. purpose ofclarifyingthe several figures of the drawthereon. However, Fig; 6 shows in simple.diagrammatic form, a typical arrangement:- which is capable ofactivating a cylinder and piston power unit. As hereinbefore stated theinternal combustion engine or motor I9 drives a pump 9. This pump may beof the gear type, blade type or 0th.- erwise as a matter of choice andconvenience, and said pump receives the hydraulic fiuid'through "asuitable pipe 10 leading from a source such as a sump (not shown) intothe inlet or suction side of the pump. The fluid under desirablepressure is lead from the compression sideof the pump by a dischargepipe'l-l to a three-way selector valve 12 having a handle thatismanipulated by the operator to a pluralityof operating positions. Fromthe. control valve I 12 the pressure fiuid flows through a feed pipe 14to a three-way coupling. '1, thence through a feed pipe extension 14a totherear end of cylinder X back of the pistons Y, to

move the latter outwardly and thereby shift-an assembly Z in a forwarddirection. When valve 12 is moved toanother position the fluid enters, Ithe forward ends of cylinders X through pipes.

two different positions for supplying pressure flu'idto the cylinder atone side of the piston and sump from the other side of the piston orvicever'sai In a neutral'position'the spool-shaped valve body blocks theflow of pressure fluid to 1 both ends of the cylinder to preventmovement of j the piston. Valves of this type are generally well knownin various arts and the same is not illustrated since the valve forms noportion of the f invention but is merely an accessory thereof. The valveI2 is adapted to shunt the pressure fluid through aby-pass conduit I5leading back to the supply pipe ahead of the'pump P." Also, there f is arelief valve 12 interposed in a pipe 11 which 1 communicates at oneendwith an intermediate portion of discharge pipe H and at its other endcommunicates with the by-pass pipe 15.

It will be-understood that the particular ar- There is of course'asimilar arrangement for each of the three operating assemblies of thematerial 3 handling machine, and the respective control valves 'Il'arearranged adjacent each other in a 1 row within convenient reach of theoperator. It 1 also will be understood that at least'the feed pipe 14and its extensions 14a are of the flexible I hose type to permitmovement thereof on or with the respective assemblies when the latterare 1 performing their functions and for this purpose there may besufficient slack in said pipes to take 1 care of such contingencies.

14band-discharges in front of the pistonsYto 5 retract the same togetherwith the assembly Z. i It will be understood that in either of its posiltions'the 'valve' 73 will dump the pressure fluid 5 from the inactiveside of the piston into by-pass f pipe 15; Three-way selector valve 12may be of 1 the spool type with'an open-center return to the i sump, thevalve" body beingmovable to at least rangement shown in Fig.6 is merelytypical of any convenient layout for the control of a power unit foroperating an assembly of the apparatus.

While this invention has been described in de- 1 tall in its presentform or embodiment, it will be j apparent to persons skilled in the art,after understanding the improvements, that various changes andmodifications may be made therein What is claimed is: 1. A materialhandling apparatus comprising to said slide frame and the forwardportions ex- 'ivotally connected intermediate its ends to'said ork'assembly, said lever having a normally free upper end beyond said pivotand connected to an jimplement pivoted at the forward end of said i amotor driven tractor chassis supported on front 3 and rear wheels; acarrierframe assembly havj ing'elongate side rails mounted on saidchassis; 1 guide means on said rails; and a hydraulic cylinderand'pistonalongside said carrier rails; a {slide frame having side rails abovesaid carrier rails; angular 'straps'on said slide frame rails Iinterengaged with said guide means; means cou-' pling said slide frameto said carrier piston whereby forward and rearward reciprocal movements;;are imparted to said slide frame; and a workperformingassembly'mountedon said slide frame for movement therewith and also adapted 'for'jangular movement independently thereof, said work assembly comprising acantilever structure ther'ear portion of which is pivotally connected 5tends beyond the front end of said slide frame j and is free for up anddown movement to raise 1 lower an implement thereon; an elongate leverwork frame for operating said implement, the lower other end of saidlever being attachable at a plurality oflocations on the apparatus-toselectively predetermine the degree of elevation of the forward end ofsaid work assembly; and power means for moving said work frameindependently of said slide frame to elevate said implement.

2. Material handling apparatus mounted on the chassis of a power driventractor comprising a slide frame guided for reciprocal longitudinalmovement on said chassis; first manually controlled hydraulicallyactuated means/for selectively effecting said movement; a truss mountedfor reciprocal longitudinal. movement on said slide-frame and also forlongitudinal movement independentlythereof, saidtruss having armsextending forwardly beyond the front end of said slide frame and chassisand inclined in a generally downward'direction; pivot means at the rearend of said truss whereby the forward region thereof is adapted to beraised and lowered; a work implement pivotally carried by the terminalend regions of said arms; an elongate beam fulcrumed intermediate itsends on the upper,

reach of said truss and defining respectivelya short upper lever and along lower strut; second manually controlled hydraulically actuatedmeans operatively'connecting the end of said lever which is remote fromits pivot to said pivoted Work implement; and means pivotally connectingthe end region of said strut to selected fixed portions of,

movement; a truss mounted for reciprocal longi tudinal movement on saidslide frame and also for longitudinal movement independently thereof,said truss having arms extending forwardly beyond the front end of saidslide frame and chassis and inclined in a generally downward direction;straps depending from the rear ofsaid truss and engaged in saidslide'frame channels; pivot means connecting the rear end of said trussto said straps to provid fulcrums whereby the forward region thereof isadapted to be raised and lowered, a work implement pivotally carried'bythe terminalend regions of said arms;

an elongate beam fulcrumed intermediate its ends on the upper reach ofsaid truss and defining respectively a short upper lever and a longlower strut; second manually controlled hydraulically actuated meansoperatively connecting the end of said lever which is remote from itspivot to said'pivotedwork implement; and means pivotally connecting theend region of said strut to selected fixed portions of the apparatus toeffect a raising of said truss on 'its pivot during operation-of saidfirst hydraulically actuated means,

said work implement being maintained in' non tilting position duringsaid truss raising movement r i 4. Material handling apparatus mountedon the chassis of a power driven tractor comprising a slide" frameguided for reciprocal longitudinal movement on said chassis; firstmanually controlled pressure meansfor selectively effecting saidmovement; a truss fulcrumed at its rear end on said'slide' frame andadapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement on said slide frame, saidly carried by the forwardjregionof said truss; an elongate beamfulcrumed intermediateits'ends on the upper reach of said truss anddefiningrespectively a short upper lever member and a long lower strut;second manually controlled pressure means connecting the end of saidlever which is beyond its fulcrum to. said pivoted work implement fortilting the same; means anchoring said strut to selected fixed portionsof the apparatus to effect a raising of said truss on'its pivot; andthird'manually controlled pre means moving the truss fulcrum in aforward direction thereby to progressively elevate the forward por--tion 'ofsaid'truss to a desired level.

from said beams, inclined stays connecting the s end regions of saidbeams to the upper portions of said posts, said beams, posts and staystogether defining a pair of laterally spaced trusses which are rigidlysecured together for movement in a unitary assembly and being arrangedwith the forward portion overhanging the front of the chassis and mobileframe; means hingedly connecting the rear ends of said truss frames tosaid mobile frame; a work implement pivoted in said overhanging frontportion of said truss assembly; and a plurality of manually controlledpressure fluid devices having cooperative association with said chassis,slide frame, unitary assembly and implement, one of said devicesoperative to bodily move said slide frame longitudinally with respect tosaid chassis, a second of said devices operative to move said unitaryassembly longitudinally of said slide frame, and a third of said devicesoperative to control the position of said implement with respect to saidunitary assembly.

6. Material handling means mounted on a wheeled vehicle chassiscomprising a mobile frame guided for longitudinal reciprocal movement onsaid chassis; power means for selectively moving said frame; structuresupported generally on said frame, said structure comprising elongatebase beams extending longitudinally of the chassis above said mobileframe, posts extending perpendicular from said beams, inclined staysconnecting the end regions of said beams to the upper portions of saidposts, said beams, posts and stays together defining a pair of laterallyspaced trusses which are rigidly secured together for movement in aunitary assembly and being arranged with the forward portion overhangingthe front of the chassis and mobile frame; means hingedly connecting therear ends of said truss frames to said mobile frame; a work implementpivoted in said overhanging front portion of said truss assembly; and aplurality of manually controlled cylinder and piston units forindividually moving the several structures of the material handlingmeans, one of said units operative to bodily move said slide framelongitudinally with respect to said and a work-performing chassis, asecond of said'units operative to move said unitary assemblylongitudinally of said slide frame, and athirdof said units operativetocontrol the position ofsaid implement with respect to said unitaryassembly.

'7. Material handling means mounted on 'a wheeled vehicle chassiscomprising a mobile frame guided for longitudinal reciprocal, movementon said chassis; powermeans for selectively moving' saidfram'e; and awork-performing structure supported generally on said frame, saidstructure comprising elongate basebeams' extending longitudinally of thechassis above said mobile frame, posts extending perpendicular from saidbeams, inclined stays connecting the end regions of said beams totheupper portions of said posts, said beams, posts and stays togetherdefining a pair of laterally spaced trusses which are rigidly securedtogether for movement in a unitary assembly and being arranged with theforward portion overhanging the front of the chassis andmobile frame;hinge means defining a fulcrum connecting the'rear ends of said trussframes to said mobile frame; a work implement pivoted in saidoverhanging front portion of said truss assembly; a plurality ofmanually controlled pressure fluid devices having cooperativeassociation with said chassis, slide frame, unitary assembly andimplement, each said device being elfective to move the structure towhich the respective piston is connected; and elongate members defininga lever connected to said implement by one of said devices, and theother ends of said elongate members defining beams for securement todifferent portions of the structure to raise said unitary assembly onits pivot for effecting elevation of the forward region of said trussassembly to different angular relationship with respect to said trussfulcrum.

8. Material handling apparatus supported on a tractor, comprisingparallel side rails fixed on and extending longitudinally of saidtractor; hydraulic cylinders and pistons on said rails defining a firstpower unit for said apparatus; parallel slidable rails movable on saidside rails by the actuation of said first power unit whereby the forwardregions of said slide rails are extended a substantial distance ahead ofsaid tractor; hydraulic cylinders and pistons carried by said sliderails defining a second power unit for said apparatus; fulcrum strapsconnected to said second power unit to be moved thereby longitudinallyon said slide rails; a pair of parallel trusses of arch shape above saidslide rails and connected to each other for simultaneous movement; pivotmeans hingedly connecting the rear ends of said trusses to said movablefulcrum straps whereby said trusses are movable in longitudinaldirections, the forward regions of said trusses being free for up anddown movement; elongate beams pivoted intermediate their ends at thecrowns of said truss arches, and the lower ends of said beams havingpivotal connection with selected portions of the apparatus for effectingthe aforesaid up and down movement of the truss free ends to variousselective levels; arms extending from the upper ends of said beamsbeyond the fulcrums thereof; an implement pivotally carried by the freeends of said trusses; and hydraulic cylinders and pistons defining athird power unit operatively connecting said arms to said implement formoving said implement independently of said trusses.

9. Material handling apparatus supported on a tractor, comprisingparallel side rails fixed on and.

. 1 draulic cylinders and pistons carried by said slide 1 rails defininga second power unit for said apparatus; fulcrum straps connected to saidsecond power unit to be moved thereby longitudinally on said sliderails; a pair of parallel trusses of arch shape above said slide railsand connected to each other for simultaneous movement; pivot meanshingedly connecting the rear ends of said trusses to said movablefulcrum straps whereby said'trussesrare movable in longitudinaldirections, the forward regions of said trusses being free for up anddown movement; elongate beams pivotedintermediate their ends at thecrowns of said f truss arches and defining inclined upper arms andinclined lower struts having free lower ends adapted for pivotalattachment in a plurality iof selected positions on portions of theapparatus 7 a for effecting the aforesaid up and down movement of thetruss free ends to various predetermined levels; animplement pivotallycarried by the free ends of said trusses; and hydraulic cylinders andpistons defining a third power unit operatively connecting said arms tosaid implement, said third power unit being effective in an inactive pcondition to maintain said implementin a level plane and in an operativecondition to tiltably move said implement to a dumping position.

JASPER GREENLJE REFERENCES cI'rEn The following references are of recordin the file of this patent: o

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date,

958,911 Durkee V May 24,1 1910 1,623,194 Marshall 'Apr. 5, 1927' r2,377,112 Strunk 1 May 29,1945 2,449,212 Fraga -Sept. 14, 1948 2,517,532Lull Aug. 8, 1950

